Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Tips to Improve your Spelling

Nothing
makes your paper appear shabby or unpolished like the appearance of several
misspelled words in your text. While we can depend on technology to let us know
when we've made errors in spelling, it's important to know that technology has
flaws.

You should
always use a spell-checker when you can, but sometimes spell-checkers are not
available or they're not reliable. That is why we can't become totally
spell-checker dependent!

Read over this list of techniques and try to make them a part of your
routine.

Techniques
For Improving Your Spelling

1.
Make yourself a list of problem words. If there are certain words you have
already identified that you misspell frequently, make yourself a spelling list.
Practice writing these words ten times each, just like you did in elementary
school. Use flashcards to practice a little every night and eliminate words
when you feel you've conquered them.Soon
you'll find that you have mastered these problem words!

2.
Keep a "problem word" file in your computer. Each time you run
a spell-checker and find a word that you've misspelled, copy and paste the word
into your file. Later you can add it to your list (above).

3.
Each time you practice a word, spell it out loud. Later, you will
recall how the word sounded as you spelled it right. You'll be surprised how
well this words!

4.
Review the rules for prefixes and suffixes. You'll avoid many mistakes once you
understand the difference between "inter" and "intra," for
example.

6.
Memorize clumps of words that belong to special groups. For example, you
will find that the group of words that contain "ough" (rhyming with
tough) is finite. Once you make a comprehensive list, you are ready to
memorize.

By observing words that do and
don't belong together, you will reduce uncertainty about many
similar words that don't make the list. More lists of special groups would
include:

aire words like
questionnaire and millionaire

mn words like
hymn and column

ps words like
psychology and pseudonym

ible words like
edible and audible

Be sure to
revisit this list frequently.

7.
Read a lot!
Many words become familiar to us because we see them often. The more you read,
the more words you will memorize - even though you won't realize it.

8.
Read with a pencil. You can mark your books with light pencil marks to
indicate words you'd like to practice. Just remember to go back and erase! If
you happen to use an eReader, be sure to highlight and bookmark words you'd
like to practice.

9.
Practice with a few online spelling quizzes. This is a good way
to find frequently-misspelled or commonly-confused words.

10.
Visualize yourself carrying out an activity to match a problem word. For example, if
you have trouble remembering how to spell edible,
conjure up and image of the word in your head, then picture yourself nibbling
on the word. (Silly activities are often the most effective.)

Any effort
you make to improve your reading skills will make a surprising effect.

You'll
find that spelling becomes much easier with practice. Don't let yourself become
overwhelmed or frustrated. Persistence is key!

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